Summer in Michigan always seems to fly by in the blink of an eye! With the new school year right around the corner—and already underway for some—our schedules are about to fill up fast with homework, sports, and early Halloween planning.
Before the full swing of fall activity kicks in, take a brief breath and review this simple back-to-school checklist to set your kids up for a healthy, successful year ahead.
1. Reset the Sleep Schedule
A good night’s sleep is the cornerstone of every child’s physical and mental health. Transitioning from relaxed summer nights to early morning alarm clocks takes careful planning:
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Set a consistent routine: Establish a quiet, screen-free “wind-down” hour before bed.
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Optimize the room: Keep bedrooms dark, quiet, and cool (around 67–68°F is ideal for deep sleep).
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Address the screen temptation: Kids of all ages often sneak phone time under the covers. Talk openly with your child about putting devices away at night so they get the age-appropriate rest they need to focus and thrive.
2. Schedule Their Annual Physical & Vaccinations
Every child should see their primary care physician once a year for a comprehensive well-child visit. If summer got away from you, don’t wait until the end of the school year—book it now! An annual checkup allows your pediatrician to track crucial growth metrics, catch potential health issues early, and ensure all routine immunizations are up to date.
3. Cross Off the Sports Physical
It’s important to remember that a sports physical is not a replacement for a full annual exam. While sports physicals only cover basic mobility and general fitness required for school athletics, they are still essential for participation.
Need a sports physical quickly? If your child recently had their annual checkup, your primary doctor may be able to sign the forms. If not, stop by one of our two Lakes Urgent Care locations and ask for a Sports Physical. No appointment is necessary, or you can conveniently book your time slot online!
4. Check Vision and Hearing
Undetected visual or hearing challenges can significantly impact classroom performance. Your primary care physician can perform basic screenings during a routine visit and refer you to a specialist if anything needs further evaluation.
5. Don’t Skip the Dentist
Oral health is deeply connected to overall health. Make sure your child receives a routine dental checkup and cleaning at least once a year to prevent cavities and maintain a healthy smile.
6. Put Down the Screens & Make Family Time Count
Let’s be honest—it isn’t just kids who are glued to their screens; parents are, too! When everyone is staring at a device in the same room, valuable opportunities for real connection, conversation, and emotional support disappear.
To break the cycle and stay attuned to what your child is experiencing this school year:
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Establish tech-free zones: Make the dinner table a strict no-phone area for the entire family.
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Take a unplugged walk: Step outside together without phones. Spending time in nature lowers stress and creates space for open, relaxed conversations.
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Set screen boundaries: Limit daily social media and device hours at home—a practice many local Michigan schools are adopting during classroom hours as well.